What Marc-Andre ter Stegen's devastating injury means for FC Barcelona
- Marc Ter Stegen is set to be sidelined for multiple months after suffering a significant injury to his right knee during Barca's 5-1 win over Villareal on Sunday.
- The tenured keeper had been under serious fire for his recent dip in form, though his absence will leave the Blaugrana with a serious void in goal.
By Rohan Borges
Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s season-ending injury in Barcelona's 5-1 victory over Villarreal comes at a critical moment for the club.
The German goalkeeper skied to intercept a routine ball sent into the box but he landed awkwardly on the way down, unable to put any weight on his injured leg. Ter Stegen was later diagnosed with a ruptured patella tendon in his right knee, an injury that could see him sidelined for up to eight months.
What does Ter Stegen's injury mean for FC Barcelona?
Barcelona is not devoid of in-house alternatives, most notably backup goalkeeper Iñaki Peña, who has reportedly impressed in training. However, the gap left by Ter Stegen's shoes might be too large for an inexperienced option to fill during such a pivotal season.
Rumors have already circulated regarding Barcelona’s interest in signing a more experienced keeper, with 37-year-old Keylor Navas emerging as a leading candidate. The Costa Rican, currently a free agent, has a wealth of experience from his time at Real Madrid and PSG. While Navas’ age and lack of recent activity could raise concerns, his availability and stature make for an intriguing option.
While Barça’s manager Hansi Flick was quick to dismiss any immediate talk of a replacement, all indications point to a veteran singing in the coming days. When pressed on the issue during his post-match press conference, Flick offered a testy response, recognizing his players’ wellbeing as the primary concern.
"Please understand that I am very sad, and I don't want to talk about this topic right now"
- Hansi Flick
As the club navigates a crucial part of the season, Barcelona must decide whether to place their trust in one of their reserves, such as Inaki Pena, or pursue an experienced veteran who can stabilize the defense. Regardless of their choice, Barcelona will have a tough time finding a replacement as equipped as Ter Stegen in goal.